British Business Bank Ups Pace for Emerging VC Funds
The British Business Bank announced that its Enterprise Capital Funds (ECF) programme will double the speed of capital commitments to emerging venture‑capital funds over the next few years. Mark Sims, head of development equity funds, said the acceleration aims to close funding gaps for early‑stage UK startups. The move follows a broader government push to boost innovation financing and retain talent. ECF, which co‑invests alongside private VCs, will increase its annual deployment from roughly £200 million to £400 million.
Eka Ventures Raises $107m for Fund II, Focused on UK Impact Start-Ups
London‑based Eka Ventures has closed its second fund at $107 million, aimed at backing UK‑based impact startups. The fund’s limited partner list now includes the Health Foundation, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the Vivensa Foundation, and several family offices. Building on a...
DOWNLOAD: Q1 Fundraising Continues at a Snail’s Pace
Venture capital firms worldwide raised $21 billion in the first quarter of 2024, matching the amount collected in Q1 2025. The flat figure underscores a continuation of the sluggish fundraising environment that has persisted since 2022. Investors remain cautious amid higher...
LPs Leave No Stone Unturned During Background Checks
Limited partners (LPs) are tightening their due‑diligence processes, scrutinizing every facet of private‑equity fund managers before committing capital. The heightened scrutiny includes deep background checks on investment teams, compliance histories, ESG practices, and operational resilience. LPs are leveraging third‑party data...
An Insider’s Guide to Gifting Carried Interest and Estate Planning
CPA Anthony Venette advises venture capital general partners to gift a portion of their carried interest early, allowing any subsequent appreciation to grow outside the donor’s estate. By transferring ownership before the assets appreciate, the future increase is excluded from...
An LP Base that Women-Led VCs Can’t Afford to Ignore
A recent survey of high‑net‑worth women investors shows that nearly half are just beginning to explore private‑market opportunities, yet 67% intend to allocate $25,000‑$49,000 to venture funds this year. This emerging pool represents a sizable, yet under‑tapped, source of limited‑partner...
